Issue Archive

This week's Question: In recent years, hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested into space ventures. SpaceX, an advanced spacecraft manufacturer founded by Elon Musk, has completed more than 30 successful launches since 2006, delivered cargo to the International Space Station, and secured contracts with NASA and other clients. Musk envisions the colonization of Mars as soon as 2022. In September, speaking to the International Astronautical Congress in Mexico, Musk described a 400-foot-tall rocket that would send 100 colonist-passengers at a time to Mars over a period of decades.“One [path] is that we stay on Earth forever and then there will be an inevitable extinction event,” Musk said. “The alternative is to become a spacefaring civilization, and a multi-planetary species.”What do you think? Will we be a “multi-planetary” species?

This week's Question: Today's featured INSIDER story demonstrated a new achievement in artificial intelligence. According to a recently released Stanford University report developed by a standing group of AI scientists, the ability for robots to be self-determined and concerned with their own longevity is a leap far beyond current interest or capabilities. "I'm highly optimistic that artificial intelligence technologies are going to improve the world,” said lead author of the report and University of Texas computer scientist Peter Stone. The researchers cited autonomous transportation, healthcare data computation, and crime prevention as areas that may benefit from the use of AI. What do you think? Are you optimistic about AI possibilities?

This week's Question: Automaker Volvo is inviting 300 owners of XC90 SUVs and S90 sedans to try out a new app that connects car owners with convenience services. Through the pilot program, users can receive remote fuel delivery, valet car cleaning, and maintenance from their phones. Authorized providers of the services receive a digital key – a one-time-use location- and time-specific device that allows access to the vehicle. The car can then be returned to its original location or moved to another requested area. What do you think? Will you use "car concierge" services?

This week's Question: According to a recent article in The Washington Post, a growing number of filmmakers, policymakers, researchers, human rights workers, and law enforcement officials are using virtual reality technology to make people feel as if they have experienced an event firsthand. Advocates say virtual reality can increase empathy, "transport" and immerse viewers within humanitarian crises around the world, and influence decision-making about issues ranging from policing to the environment. What do you think? Will virtual reality increase empathy?

This week's Question: A new home security technology called the Sunflower Home Awareness System deploys a drone to patrol one’s property. The combination of intelligent outdoor sensors and an aerial drone-based camera detects motion, vibration, and sound, and provides users with a view of the home’s real-time surroundings. By analyzing the sensor data, the system can distinguish between a human, a car, and animals. The drone streams video to a smartphone, allowing homeowners to see if their property is at risk. What do you think? Would you use drones for home security?

This week’s Question: Ride-hailing company Uber recently released a white paper outlining its new transport service: the flying car. The company envisions a “network of small, electric aircraft that take off and land vertically.” The proposal aims to use airspace to relieve transportation congestion on the ground. Although the company believes the flying car technology will mature within five years, many obstacles exist, including regulations, vehicle performance and reliability, pilot training, and safety.

This week's Question: World-famous physicist Stephen Hawking recently warned that the creation of powerful artificial intelligence will be “either the best, or the worst thing, ever to happen to humanity.” Hawking noted the risks of creating superintelligence with a will of its own, while also mentioning AI's ability to "undo some of the damage done to the natural world" and eradicate disease and poverty. What do you think? Will artificial intelligence do more good than bad for humanity?

Question of the Week

This week's Question: In recent years, hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested into space ventures. SpaceX, an advanced spacecraft manufacturer founded by Elon Musk, has completed more than 30 successful launches since 2006, delivered...